How do I Remove an Old Deadbolt Lock?

Deadbolts on external doors offer a sense of security.

Deadbolts can offer a homeowner a sense of security when installed on exterior doors. As a deadbolt ages, it can lock up making it difficult to turn the locking mechanism. An older deadbolt also tends to show wear and lack luster. In these cases, you may want to replace an old deadbolt lock to spruce up the door's overall appearance and ensure a lock that continues to work.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips head screwdriver (also known as a cross-head screwdriver)
• Power drill with Phillips (also known as a cross-head drill bit) head drill bit

Instructions

1. Unlock the deadbolt and open the door. Look at the side of the door and locate the latch plate.

2. Unscrew the screws of the latch plate using a Phillips head screwdriver. Often, the screws of an old deadbolt will be difficult to remove if the screws have been in place for a long time. In such cases, you will be unable to loosen the screws using a simple screwdriver. Remove screws that are stuck with a power drill fitted with a Phillips head drill bit.

3. Pry the corner of the latch plate from the side of the door once the screws are removed. Slide the screwdriver into the corner of the latch plates and pop it off the door.

4. Remove all screws that hold the deadbolt locking mechanism in place. The screws are easily visible to the naked eye on all deadbolt brands.

5. Pull the locking mechanism assembly apart once all screws are removed. The locking mechanism will sometimes fall apart quickly but other times it may need a little pulling to work the two parts apart. Discard the entire deadbolt pieces from the door once both halves of the deadbolt lock pull apart and fall away from the door.

6. Unscrew the strike plate on the external door frame. Pry the plate from the door using the screwdriver.

Tips & Warnings

• Deadbolts come as either external or internal bolting systems. Both are removed in much the same way.

References

• Acme How To: How to Replace a Deadbolt Lock
• Repair Home: Replacing a Deadbolt
• Lowes Creative Ideas: How to Install a Deadbolt Lock
• Home Tips: Replacing a Deadbolt
• Online Tips: Installing a Deadbolt

Resources

• How To Fix: How to Fix a Deadbolt Lock Through Replacing